POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (January 30, 2013) – The Vassar College men's tennis team is coming off a record-breaking season, one that saw the Brewers advance to the Final 16 in the NCAA Championships for the first time ever in program history.

It's on the success of last year's 15-11 season that the Brewers move into this year's incredibly competitive spring schedule that includes eight nationally-ranked teams in the top 25 and eight teams that are regionally-ranked in the Northeast Region. Vassar will also play Division I Patriot League powerhouse, Army. “We will have a lot of competitive matches, making this an absolute year of opportunity with our destiny in our own hands,” head coach John Cox said.

The Brewers also made program history last year when Ben and Andrew Guzick (30-6 doubles) became All-Americans in doubles as they competed in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Small College National Championships in Mobile, AL where they went 1-2 and finished sixth in the nation.

The Brewers will begin the 2013 Spring Schedule on Saturday, February 2 when they host Clark University at 1:00 pm. “We are very anxious to start the season and get some match-play under our belts,” Cox said.

Andrew returns to lead the Brewer lineup after another successful season in singles play, going 24-8. He competed in the round of 32 in the NCAA Division III Men's Tennis Championships as an alternate last season. His first trip to the NCAA National Singles Tournament was during his sophomore year when he made it to the Final 8, which was another program first.

“Andrew is playing quite well right now,” Coach Cox said. “With hard work, focus and determination, Andrew will be in a position to challenge at the NCAA National Tournament this season.”

Coming into the season, Andrew is ranked 17th in the Northeast Region. A player needs to be ranked in the top eight to qualify for the NCAA Championships. Andrew is paired with senior Dan Freeman in doubles and the duo is ranked fourth in the Northeast Region. If they hold or improve their ranking, they will qualify for the NCAA Championships.

“Freeman is a strong, physical player,” Coach Cox said. “He is a big hitter and has the potential and ability to beat anybody at anytime.”
Senior Josh Kessler (8-5 singles) has proven to be one of the more versatile players for the Brewers. “Kessler is a tremendous competitor who is very good at doubles and knows the game of tennis quite well,” Cox said. “He can play at any position in the lineup, and with many different players in doubles, which makes him very versatile and valuable to the team.”

Nick Jasso (12-12 singles) rounds out the tough senior class. “Jasso had a great season last year with some really big wins, some match-clinching victories and we're expecting even more amazing things out of him this year. He is a tremendously hard worker and shows up every day to compete to the fullest.”

“The strength of our senior class is the backbone for our team this season,” Cox said. “We will rely on their experience and athleticism as we approach our incredibly tough schedule with very high hopes.”

The leadership of the seniors will be supplemented by a strong class of six freshmen. Daniel Cooper (5-2 singles) and Christian Phelps (4-2 singles) had very strong fall performances. “Cooper's big lefty serve makes him a danger in both singles and doubles,” Cox said. “Phelps is incredibly fit, focused and mentally strong.”

Rounding out the freshmen class are Evan Udine, Sha Huang, Sean Hoy-Skubik and Jeffrey Gerwin. All of the freshmen will have considerable playing opportunities as they continue to work hard every day and improve their match play skills. In addition, Udine brings a valuable asset to the freshman class with his clay court training experience.

“Udine's clay court training has made his baseline game very solid,” Cox said. “This allows him to come in and compete in a good match against really anybody.”

Junior Elias Springer returns to the courts after a semester studying abroad. “Springer improved tremendously last year and continues to use his athletic abilities and competitiveness to challenge and defeat much more experienced players,” Coach Cox said.

Sophomore Christian Lyon (7-2 singles) returns after a solid year of development and continues to better his game. “His big left-handed forehand is a good foundation to build his game upon,” Cox said. “We're expecting him to see playing time in both singles and doubles.”